The University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s Transformation Office in collaboration with the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA), the UJ Library and UJ Broadcasting hosted a commemorative event on Thursday, 06 March 2025, for the Women in Leadership book launch.
The event, in celebration of the upcoming International Women’s Day on Saturday, 08 March 2025, convened students, staff, and empowerment advocates to confront systemic inequities and chart a path toward transformative change.
Under the 2025 theme of Accelerate Action: A Call to Speed Up Progress Towards Gender Equality, the event highlighted UJ’s 20 years of impactful leadership and focused specifically on the journeys of women leaders at the university.
Setting the example
Speaking on impactful leadership and how the institution is setting the example in creating opportunities for women, Professor Ylva Rodney-Gumede expressed the importance of working in spaces that actively empower women in leadership roles, mentioning the investment and resources UJ has put into the various programmes on offer including the Women’s Leadership Development Programme (UJWLDP) that was launched in 2016 and the Research Leadership Programme (RLP) developed in 2020.
“We have to work together to forge alliances that break down boundaries. At the University of Johannesburg, there is no glass ceiling – you will achieve whatever you want to achieve. That’s the message we are sending to our colleagues, leadership, organisations and other universities. It becomes a global message that to change something you have to start by real empowerment.”
Vision – Capture the journeys of women leaders at UJ
Dr Nompumelelo Mkhize, Director: UJ Transformation, shared the vision behind the book. “It is not merely about possessing leadership skills but also understanding where those skills are best applied. We are born leaders in communities and society. As we celebrate International Women’s Day we saw it fit to launch this book today so you understand that everywhere in the world women are faced with the same reality and obstacles.” UJ’s Women’s Leadership Development Programme, which many of the contributors of the book participated in, is a vital programme that encourages experiential learning.
Impact and Ethics in Leadership
Guest speaker Ms Cynthia Schoeman, Founder and Managing Director: Ethics Monitoring and Management Services, reflected on how to accelerate action, partner for impact and ethics in leadership. She remarked that women had been excluded, discriminated against and faced inequality for generations.
She pointed out that inclusion was a fundamental ethics concept: “When we get inclusion right, what we achieve is belonging and that is powerful.” She encouraged women leaders to continue to make a difference by being visible goals to others; standing up for what is right, treating people fairly and behaving ethically. She shared a powerful quote from Economist and former Governor of the Bank of Canada Mark Carney – “Diversity is a fact of life but inclusion is a choice.”
Gender equality is a fundamental, societal responsibility
Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, gave the keynote address and dismantled the myth that gender equality is a battle women must wage alone. Quoting the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, he stated, “Women will only have true equality when men share the responsibility of bringing up the next generation.”
Prof Mpedi’s message was clear that outdated norms must fall, and men must step into roles as allies, advocates, and active participants. Citing the World Economic Forum’s projection that gender parity may take 131 years at current rates, Prof Mpedi stressed the urgency of accelerated action. While acknowledging strides, such as a 12% rise in women occupying C-suite roles globally, he highlighted persistent gaps in income, leadership, and workforce participation. In South Africa, women hold 42% of parliamentary seats, yet systemic barriers remain entrenched, disproportionately impacting rural women and those juggling childcare and careers. “Unemployment rates and participation gaps are not just statistics and represent dreams deferred and potentially untapped,” he said.
He challenged institutions to overhaul policies, cultivate inclusive cultures, and prioritise fairness. “True progress hinges on collective action from governments, businesses, universities, and individuals and we must unite to redefine the status quo.”
In conclusion, Prof Mpedi echoed UJ Chancellor Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka’s clarion call: “Women’s significant representation is key to saving the world.”
The event was facilitated by Ms Xoli Madlala with entertainment provided by the award-winning Mzansi Youth Choir.
Watch the full launch below:
